Arte (アルテ)

Buongiorno.

Lady Arte, I've brought your dress for this morning.

My lady! How improper!

Shh! Shh!

I'll be done in just a second.

I was born into a noble Florentine family.

For as long as I can remember, I've had a passion for drawing.

My father always supported me

and my artistic pursuits.

But then last month-- he passed away.

Even though we're a noble family,

we're far from being wealthy, which presents a problem.

Namely...

Are those my sketches?!

Mother! What are you doing?!

I'm disposing of these useless scraps.

You can't! I worked hard on those!

Hmph!

We only meant for you to learn drawing

as a way to pass the time.

How do you expect to win over a gentleman

when it occupies every spare moment?

Is it really so important for me to try

and attract a suitor?

You're almost 15.

At this stage in your life,

marriage should be the only thing on your mind.

Your father's gone, and we're only able

to put together a meager dowry, which means finding

a potential match for you will prove to be

all the more difficult.

The fact is, if you expect to have

a halfway decent life, your only choice is to find

yourself a proper husband.

I know what you mean by a "decent life."

Staying at home without any freedom and living each day

like a bird trapped inside a cage!

You don't realize it,

but I'm looking out for your best interests.

Eventually, you'll understand.

Father...

Lady Arte, your painting tutor has arrived.

I don't see how these skills

will do the girl any good.

Come now, don't say that.

It's fine as a distraction,

but she's becoming too obsessed.

What sort of man will want to take a wife

who's only interested in art?

Don't tell me you haven't noticed

how depressed she looks with her other instruction.

It's only when she's drawing that her face truly lights up.

It does my heart good to see her so happy.

Besides. As long as she stands strong,

and continues believing in herself, she'll find someone.

A man who loves her for her passion and her charm.

Father...

The Renaissance period.

Artisan workshops great and small

line the city streets.

Behind these walls, craftsmen labor,

giving birth to countless works of art.

The majority of apprentices live and work

within a studio, helping with various tasks,

all the while learning their trade under the tutelage

of a master.

Scusi, signore!

Huh?!

Please look at my work!

Wha--?!

I'm begging you, sir, just give me a chance!

What's a noble girl

doing inside my studio?! Go home! Now!

What? A female painter?!

Are you trying to insult my workshop?!

You're keeping me from my work!

Be gone with you!

Seventeen rejections in a row.

There's only one workshop I haven't tried yet.

Then I still have a chance!

I must go forward bravely, with my head held high!

Like I said, the answer's no!

Hurry and get home!

What's this? Is there a fight?

At least look at my drawings first!

I don't need to look at them!

What do you mean?

Isn't it obvious?

I would never hire a woman!

Who's ever heard of a female apprentice?

A girl who draws?

Women aren't welcome anywhere near my workshop!

Uhh... Now, wait.

What're you planning to do with that?

Don't try anything foolish!

Ah?

If being a girl matters, then I won't be one!

Now will you treat me like an equal?

Huh?! I see.

Cutting all my hair off doesn't actually change anything.

Guess I'll just have to get rid of my breasts, as well!

-- -- Hey! Drop it!

Leo? That's right!

You don't have an apprentice, do you?

Why don't you mentor the girl?

Wait. You want me to take her?

Of course.

Just minding my own business and suddenly I'm forced

to deal with this insanity.

I'm not insane.

I suppose I did lose my composure a little, but...

Just a little?

Such a small shop, but every corner's packed.

Also. Each brush and tool is meticulously cared for.

Amazing!

Well?

He hasn't yelled at me yet, but somehow,

he's even more intimidating than the other masters!

--I, um... --What's wrong?

Well...

I thought you had something to say.

If not, then leave me be.

No! I'm not leaving!

At least, not until you see my drawings.

Please look and tell me if I'm worthy

of becoming an artist!

You're really looking at them?

You just told me you wouldn't leave until I did,

so I am.

Grazie mille! This is wonderful.

None of the other masters even listened to me!

Be quiet. Don't distract me from my assessment.

I need to concentrate.

Tell me, why do you want to become an artist, kid?

My reason?

Well, no one's ever asked me that, but...

I want to draw as long as I live!

I suppose that's it.

Ah...

Whenever I'm making art, I find myself losing

track of time.

It's like the outside world disappears,

and it's just me and my work.

Signore? What's wrong?

Uh... Should... I leave?

No. I understand.

I will take you on as my first apprentice.

On one condition.

I've never seen so many panels!

Are you going to paint on these?

Yeah. Are you familiar with tempera?

Yes, of course!

It's basically a type of paint,

that's made by mixing egg with pigment.

Then you must know how to treat a panel.

I've only done it once, but I think I remember how.

First off, the surface needs to be meticulously

cleaned and polished.

Afterwards, any knots in the wood have to be filled

and smoothed over.

And when that's done, you apply layers of undercoat.

Good, then you won't need my help.

Ah?

I want you to clean, sand and prime every one

of these panels by tomorrow morning.

If you finish in time, then I will allow you

to be my apprentice.

Leo?

Hmm?

Thank you for this chance!

I won't let you down!

Well, don't thank me just yet.

Right! Let's begin!

Hey! If isn't Leo!

So, is it true?

Rumor is you left that girl with a Sisyphean task.

I heard he ordered her to prepare 20 wood panels

in a single night.

As if anyone could. You're one ruthless man.

Seriously, that's a nasty move.

She must have done something to really tick you off.

Hardly. I just dislike nobles who have never done

an honest day's work in their lives.

That girl only wants to become an artist because

she thinks it'll be fun.

Really gets on my nerves.

Uh... Yeah.

I tell you, when Leo gets on edge,

you better watch out.

Please. I beg of you.

Anything you can spare!

It's yours if you promise that you'll go away!

Thank you kindly, sir!

May the heavens watch over you!

You dirty brat!